LA Beauty Beat Black Pioneers- Annie Malone

February 4, 2010

Happy Black History Month fellow Beaters!!! In honor of those who have Beat before us, I have decided to showcase their lives each week in the month of February. Today we salute Annie Turnbo Malone. I am sure most of you are saying, “Who?” Ms. Malone actually taught Madame CJ Walker about the black beauty industry. Let’s check her out:

During the late 19th century, African American women used soap, goose fat, and heavy oils to straighten their hair. Chemical straighteners often damaged the scalp and hair follicles. While living in Illinois, around the turn of the century, Malone developed a chemical product that straightened African American hair without damage. She claimed to have studied chemistry and to have been influenced by an aunt who was trained as an herbal doctor. She expanded her hair care line to include other beauty products, including her popular Wonderful Hair Grower. Some historians also credit Malone with developing the pressing iron and comb around this time. Malone sold her products locally.

One of her Malone’s recruits was Madame C.J. Walker, who eventually founded her own company with similar beauty products and distribution. She is widely regarded as the most successful black entrepreneur of the early 20th century and founder of the black beauty business in the United States. However, historians credit Malone with having developed her products and distribution system first. Walker sold her own “Wonderful Hair Straightener,” which Malone called fradulent imitation. As a result, Malone trademarked Poro, a new name for her product and merchandising systems in 1906. (Poro is a West African word for an organization dedicated to disciplining and enhancing the body spiritually and physically.)

Malone believed that if African American women improved their physical appearance, they would gain greater self-respect and achieve success in other areas of their lives. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Wow, sounds like Ms. Malone and Ms. Walker were a little competitive with their Beat. I certainly learned a thing or two. Hope you enjoyed our Black History Beat and can’t wait to discover some more pioneers. Ready…Set…BEAT!!!